Thursday, March 15, 2007

Barred Spiral Galaxy M95


Credit & Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight, CFHT
Explanation: Why do some spiral galaxies have a ring around the center? First and foremost, M95 is one of the closer examples of a big and beautiful barred spiral galaxy. Visible in the above recent image from the CFHT telescope in Hawaii, USA, are sprawling spiral arms delineate by open clusters of bright blue stars, lanes of dark dust, the diffuse glow of billions of faint stars, and a short bar across the galaxy center. What intrigues many astronomers, however, is the circumnuclear ring around the galaxy center visible just outside the central bar. Recent images by the Chandra X-ray Observatory have shown that X-ray light surrounding the ring is likely emission from recent supernovas. Although the long term stability of the ring remains a topic of research, recent observations indicate its present brightness is at least enhanced by transient bursts of star formation. M95, also known as NGC 3351, spans about 50,000 light-years and can be seen with a small telescope toward the constellation of the Lion (Leo).

10 comments:

The Merry Widow said...

Beautiful picture, Eyes!
So much light and grace...

tmw
Yes, I snagged it!

Eyes said...

Yep, how do you look at that and not believe there is a God? How did Carl Sagon do it? Strange.

The Merry Widow said...

Pride, arrogance and the worship of man's mind!
Good morning, G*D bless and Maranatha!

tmw

Anonymous said...

These are the kinds of reminders that just want to make me want to thank Him for sharing!

nanc said...

looks like a sky full of diamonds!

The Merry Widow said...

I'm looking forward to being able to wander the universe and just LOOK! And enjoy, and dance!
Who wouldn't want to dance looking at that?

tmw

Eyes said...

Tis a beauty! Happy St Pats everyone:>)

kevin said...

If you look closely, you can see ET's house ;)

Eyes said...

Oh ya, thar it is!

Brooke said...

It's awe-inspiring, to say the least!